Blinken reiterates US opposition to Israel or Hamas running post-war Gaza

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during a press conference following discussions among G7 foreign ministers in Japan, reaffirmed the White House’s stance on the post-war situation in Gaza. Blinken emphasized that neither Israel nor Hamas should be in charge of governing Gaza after the ongoing conflict concludes.

He outlined the key elements required for achieving a lasting peace and security in the region. These elements included preventing the forcible displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, avoiding the use of Gaza for acts of terrorism or violence, and refraining from the reoccupation of Gaza after the conflict ends.

Blinken also cautioned against any attempts to blockade or besiege Gaza or reduce its territory. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously suggested that Israel would assume security control in Gaza after the war, but US officials, including President Joe Biden, clarified that they do not support a reoccupation by Israeli forces.

The US Secretary of State reiterated the US government’s position that Hamas, the current ruling authority in Gaza, should not govern the region, citing past incidents of violence. Blinken acknowledged that there might be a need for a transition period at the end of the conflict but stressed that reoccupation was not in the plans according to Israeli leaders.

In response to these statements, Hamas declared that the governance of Gaza should be a “pure Palestinian affair.” Hamas spokesman Abdul-Latif al-Qanou asserted that their organization is deeply embedded in the Palestinian people and has the right to resist the occupation in accordance with established laws and customs.